Is Arkansas State's Coach Bryan More Focused on Jaylen Raynor’s Heisman Bid Than Winning Games?

By Peter Parker, Investigative Reporter

A growing national narrative is casting a shadow over the Arkansas State football program: Is Coach Bryan more focused on securing the Heisman Trophy for quarterback Jaylen Raynor than he is on winning games? The Red Wolves’ recent performances suggest a troubling pattern that has many in the college football world raising eyebrows and asking questions.

Jaylen Raynor, Arkansas State’s star quarterback, continues to put up jaw-dropping numbers in 2025, but some critics argue those numbers have come at a cost. The perception is that Coach Bryan has built the entire team’s identity around Raynor's Heisman campaign, potentially sacrificing the team’s broader goals in the process.

A Season of Stats or Success?

Raynor is off to another prolific start this season, averaging 84.3 rushing yards per game with 4 rushing touchdowns through just three games. He has thrown for 1,158 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. While these stats are impressive, they come with a heavy dose of controversy. Raynor's aggressive style and the team's strategy seem more focused on generating Heisman-worthy numbers than securing wins. The only thing Raynor hasn't been able to do is catch his own passes, but he's seemingly doing everything else on the field.

Moreover, Raynor's toughness is also under scrutiny. He was sacked 14 times in 2025, the second-most of any quarterback in the nation. Since 2024, Raynor has been sacked a staggering 109 times—the next closest quarterback has only 45 sacks. This relentless exposure to defensive pressure raises questions about whether Coach Bryan is truly protecting his star player or merely showcasing him for Heisman voters.

“Heisman First, Winning Second?”

Coach Bryan attempted to dismiss the concerns when asked directly about the allegations that he is more invested in Raynor’s Heisman bid than in the team's success. “Of course, I want the best for my guy,” he stated. “But we and Jaylen have the same goal, and that’s to be the last team standing at the end of the season. We both want that to be in addition to the Heisman trophy in his hand, but goal number one is the national championship.”

Despite his assurances, many are skeptical. Recent game plans seem almost singularly designed to pad Raynor’s stats, fueling suspicions that the Red Wolves are prioritizing individual accolades over team victories.

Reactions Within the Team: Divided Opinions

Reactions within the Arkansas State locker room appear mixed. Some players privately express frustration, feeling that the team’s identity has been overshadowed by Raynor’s individual quest for the Heisman. "It feels like we’re playing for Jaylen’s numbers, not the win column," one defensive player commented anonymously. "We all want to win, but it’s hard when you’re constantly being asked to play a supporting role."

However, not everyone is discontent. Several offensive players, particularly those closest to Raynor, have defended the focus on their quarterback. “Jaylen’s a great leader, and he lifts us all up,” said wide receiver Malik Hornsby. “If Jaylen gets the Heisman, it’s because we did our job, too. It’s a team effort, even if it doesn’t always look like it.”

What Do Other Sun Belt Coaches Think?

The whispers around the Sun Belt Conference are growing louder, as several coaches have expressed their displeasure with Arkansas State's tactics this season. While many prefer to stay anonymous, their concerns paint a picture of a conference increasingly frustrated with Coach Bryan's approach to managing his star quarterback, Jaylen Raynor.

One Sun Belt coach, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the situation as “blatant stat-padding.” He went on to say, "We all want our players to succeed, but there’s a line between setting them up for success and sacrificing the integrity of the game. What’s happening at Arkansas State crosses that line."

Another coach criticized the rumored strategy of instructing defensive and special teams players to step out at the 1-yard line to give Raynor more opportunities to score. "It's not just unsportsmanlike; it’s unfair to the players who are being told to hold back for the sake of one player's accolades," he said. "Football is a team sport, and it feels like the concept of 'team' is being thrown out the window."

Adding to the frustration is the reality that the Sun Belt Conference already faces challenges in earning national respect. The head coach of a prominent Sun Belt rival was direct in his criticism: “What Coach Bryan is doing is disrespectful to the game and to every team in this conference. We’re out here trying to win championships, not just individual awards. It’s becoming a circus in Jonesboro, and it’s starting to affect the way the rest of us are perceived.”

Another Sun Belt coach echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the impact on the conference's reputation. "The Sun Belt already struggles to be seen on the same level as the bigger conferences, and this kind of play only holds us down," he remarked. "Look, we all want our guys to get noticed and maybe get a shot at the next level, but there's a right way and a wrong way to do that. Right now, it feels like Arkansas State is doing everything the wrong way."

Fan Reactions: Supporters and Critics

The reaction among fans has been equally polarized. Social media is filled with debates over whether Coach Bryan's strategy is genius or reckless. Some fans support the emphasis on Raynor, arguing that his Heisman candidacy brings national attention to a program that typically flies under the radar. "This is the most buzz we’ve had in years," tweeted one Arkansas State fan. "If Jaylen wins the Heisman, it’ll be great for recruiting and the school's profile."

However, others are less enthusiastic, criticizing what they see as a misguided focus. “We should be building a team, not a one-man highlight reel,” posted another fan in a popular Sun Belt forum. "If we’re not winning games, does it even matter?"

Expert Analysis: Mixed Reviews from Analysts

Sports analysts have also weighed in, providing a range of perspectives on the controversy. Former Sun Belt coach and current ESPN commentator, Mark “Mad Dog” Davis, sees both sides of the issue: “Raynor is a phenomenal talent, no doubt, but the team’s approach has to balance individual goals with team success. Right now, it seems like they’re tipping too far in one direction.”

On the other hand, college football analyst Sarah Jenkins argues that Coach Bryan might be onto something unconventional: “If Raynor’s Heisman bid gets Arkansas State into the national spotlight and attracts better recruits, maybe the short-term sacrifices are worth it. But it’s a risky play, and it could backfire if they don’t start winning more games.”

Behind-the-Scenes Insight: A Focus on Raynor

Inside the Arkansas State program, it's clear that the coaching staff has made Raynor the focal point. According to sources close to the team, specific drills and practice sessions are tailored to highlight Raynor’s skills. One insider noted, “There’s a lot of time spent on plays designed to boost Raynor’s stats. It feels like everything is revolving around him, and it’s affecting how the rest of the team plays.”

A Program at a Crossroads

The national spotlight is now firmly on Jonesboro, and the questions are not going away. Is Coach Bryan truly committed to the long-term success of Arkansas State, or is he primarily interested in seeing Jaylen Raynor strike the Heisman pose in December? For a program that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, the stakes have never been higher.

As the season unfolds, Coach Bryan’s actions will speak louder than his words. If Arkansas State continues to prioritize Raynor’s stats over team wins, the critics will only grow louder, and the pressure will mount.

Only time will tell if Coach Bryan’s gamble will pay off—or if his legacy will be defined by an all-or-nothing bet on one player’s individual glory.